Chapter 21: God Commands Food from the Sea — Few Notice His Hand in It

Our Food out of the Sea God does command; Yet few therein take notice of his hand.

OBSERVATION.

OBTERVATION.

THE Providence of God in furnishing us with such plenty and variety of Fish, is not slightly to be past over. We have not only several sorts of Fish in our own Seas, which are caught in their Seasons; but from several parts, especially the Western parts of England, many Sail of Ships are sent yearly to the American parts of the Vvorld; as New-found-Land, New-England, &c. From where every Year is brought home, not only enough to supply our own Nation, but many thousand pounds worth also yearly returned from Spain, and other Countries; by which Trade many thousand Families do subsist.

APPLICATION.

But, now, what ret[•]rns do we make to Heaven for these Mercies? O what notice is taken of the good hand of Providence, which thus supplies and feeds us with the Blessings of the Sea? I fear there are but few that own, act in submission to it, and are careful to return according to received benefit. Men do not consider, That their works are in the hand of God, Ecclesiastes 9:1. And even those that have the most immediate dependence upon Providence, as Merchants and Sea-men, yet are very prone to undertake designes in the confidence of their own wisdom and industry; not looking higher for the blessing, Iam. 4 13. They often sacrifice to their own net, and burn incense to their drag, because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous, Habakkuk 1:16. namely They attribute what is due to God, to the creature. Now this is a sin highly provoking to the Lord: for look in what degree the heart cleaves to the second cause, in the same degree it departs from the living God, Ier. 10. 5.

And how do you think the blessed God will take it, to see himself thus debased, and the creature thus exalted into his place; to see you carry your selves to the creature as to a God, and to the Blessed God, as to a creature. Surely, it is a great and common evil, and such as will blast all, if not timely discovered and lamented. If we make flesh our arm, it's just with God to wither and dry up the arm. Do we not, my Brethren, look upon second causes, as if they had the main stroke in our business? And with a neglective eye pass by God, as if he came in but collaterally, and on the by, into it? But certainly, all endeavours will be unsanctified, if not succes[•]ess, in which God is not eyed and engaged.

It is in vain for you to rise up early, and sit up late, and eat the bread of sorrows; for so he gives his beloved sleep, Psalm 127:2. (i. e.) It is to no purpose for men to beat their brains, tire their spirits, and rack their Consciences for an estate. The true way of acquiring and enjoying the Creature, is by submitting quietly to the Will of God, in a prudent and diligent, yet moderate use of lawful means: Nothing can thrive with us till then.

REFLECTION.

Why then should I disquiet my self in vain; and rob my self of my peace, by these unbelieving cares and distractions? O this has been my sin! I have acted; as if my condition had been at my own dispose; I have eyed creatures and means too much, and God too little. How have my hands hanged down with discouragement, when second Causes have disappeared, or wrought cross to my designs in the World, ready to transfer the fault on this thing, or that! And again, how apt am I to be vainly lifted up in carnal confidence, when I see my self competently furnish'd with Creature-munition and provision? Oh, what a God provoking wickedness is this! How oft has Providence checked my carnal presumption, and dasht many hopeful projects? yet have I not owned it, as I ought, and submitted to it. Oh, it is a wonder this has not closed the hand of Providence against me, and pulled down a Curse upon all! Ah Lord, let me now learn to acquaint myself with you, then shall I decree a thing, and it shall be established, Job 22. 28.

THE POEM.

In all the Gifts of God we should advance

His glorious Name; not say, It came by chance.

Or to the Idol of our Prudence pay

The tribute of his praise, and go our way.

The waves do clap their hands, and in their kind

Acknowledge God; And what, are they more blind

That float upon them? indeed, for what they get,

They offer Sacrifices to their Net.

This is your manner, thus to work you go:

Confess the naked truth; say, Is't not so?

This Net was wisely cast, 'tis full, 'tis full:

O well done Mates, this is a gallant pull.

Thus what is due to God, you do apply

Vnto your selves most Sacrilegiously.

I cannot wonder such come empty home,

That are so full of self and sin: yet some

I hope look higher, and on God reflect

Due praise. A Blessing such may well expect.